The Broncos LOVE Demaryius Thomas down the left sideline. Manningís stat line targeting him outside of the left hash is 12-for-13 for 232 yards and a touchdown. Compound that with abysmal safety play over the top?

Good luck, Alan Ball.

While that remains my favorite match-up, these Jaguars simply donít have the speed or talent to match-up with any of the Broncos skill positions.

I just did some research on historic upsets trying to find a trend. While there are examples, most are on the road there are too many elements at play where Denver should run away with this thing. Even if the Jags started the game up 14 ala the Pokes last week, I'd still believe the game would be over by the third quarter. Their missing their tackles. Mercedes Lewis is out, so you can put Irving in there to be the thumper if Woodyard can't go. Our secondary will give them problems and they punt a lot which means Holiday will get chances and Prater is kicking at altitude.

If the above was all we had, we'd probably win. But then we have Manning et al. It's over.

I just did some research on historic upsets trying to find a trend. While there are examples, most are on the road there are too many elements at play where Denver should run away with this thing. Even if the Jags started the game up 14 ala the Pokes last week, I'd still believe the game would be over by the third quarter. Their missing their tackles. Mercedes Lewis is out, so you can put Irving in there to be the thumper if Woodyard can't go. Our secondary will give them problems and they punt a lot which means Holiday will get chances and Prater is kicking at altitude.

If the above was all we had, we'd probably win. But then we have Manning et al. It's over.

If it wasn't at home I might worry a bit. Historically the way to lose these games (and it doesn't happen often) is to turn the ball over..a lot.

We had two fumbles last week (everyone seems to have simply forgotten that Knowshon put one on the ground). Manning does have a history with blow-up games were he'll throw 2 or 3 interceptions as well. If either one of those happens, this is a loseable game.

Even then..if everything goes wrong.. I just don't think the Jags offense can get out of its own way to take advantage. I just can't see a situation in which we lose.

I just did some research on historic upsets trying to find a trend. While there are examples, most are on the road there are too many elements at play where Denver should run away with this thing. Even if the Jags started the game up 14 ala the Pokes last week, I'd still believe the game would be over by the third quarter. Their missing their tackles. Mercedes Lewis is out, so you can put Irving in there to be the thumper if Woodyard can't go. Our secondary will give them problems and they punt a lot which means Holiday will get chances and Prater is kicking at altitude.

If the above was all we had, we'd probably win. But then we have Manning et al. It's over.

I added this segment after reading your post to address trap potential:

Quote:

Trap Game?

I hated the Jaguars for over a decade after the 1996 playoff upset. Imagine how Elway feels.

I still hate my last employer and I wasn't even fired let alone had an entire community turn on me and walk me to the door. Imagine how Del Rio feels.

I still want to bury my old rivals. Imagine how Peyton Manning (a guy who had minimal qualms about hanging 41 points on his brother) feels.

If it wasn't at home I might worry a bit. Historically the way to lose these games (and it doesn't happen often) is to turn the ball over..a lot.

We had two fumbles last week (everyone seems to have simply forgotten that Knowshon put one on the ground). Manning does have a history with blow-up games were he'll throw 2 or 3 interceptions as well. If either one of those happens, this is a loseable game.

Even then..if everything goes wrong.. I just don't think the Jags offense can get out of its own way to take advantage. I just can't see a situation in which we lose.

I added this segment after reading your post to address trap potential:

I don't think Manning has any more desire to bury the Jags as them being an old rival than any other opponent. I think he takes every game 100% seriously regardless. Which really goes toward your original point in that Manning isn't looking past anyone.

The rest of your points hold, though. Del Rio will probably want to send a statement.

I don't think Manning has any more desire to bury the Jags as them being an old rival than any other opponent. I think he takes every game 100% seriously regardless. Which really goes toward your original point in that Manning isn't looking past anyone.

The rest of your points hold, though. Del Rio will probably want to send a statement.

Interesting post. Argues one aspect but in doing so essentially comes full circle. I applaud you.

I just hate the idea of anyone on our team taking a game off. It's really the type of let down that could hurt us the rest of the season. I hope they approach this game with the same focus and intensity as any other.

I don't think Manning has any more desire to bury the Jags as them being an old rival than any other opponent. I think he takes every game 100% seriously regardless. Which really goes toward your original point in that Manning isn't looking past anyone.

Really think he didn't immediately have that upcoming game at Indy circled on the calendar the minute the schedule was released? If he really takes every game 100% seriously, he'll find a way to become superhuman for that one and up the ante to 150% serious.

Really think he didn't immediately have that upcoming game at Indy circled on the calendar the minute the schedule was released? If he really takes every game 100% seriously, he'll find a way to become superhuman for that one and up the ante to 150% serious.

It's funny you bring that up. The morning radio program here was saying they were worried the tribute was going to make Manning want to pull his punches against the Colts.

I feel like it's the total opposite. You want to play your best against your former team and former fans. You don't want to get honored and then go out and there suck it up.

1. We don't win by at least 30 and it's not going to feel at all satisfying.
2. One of our key players gets hurt and can't go next week (or beyond), it's going to feel like a practice injury, and oh yeah by the way limit us against the colts to whatever extent.
3. We play a team with that little talent, at home, and I think going into Indianapolis the following week there is going to be a little bit of shell shock. On the road, packed house, and they are looking to (try and) crush us. Of coPurse you could argue the opposite, that there will be no emotional hangover after playing a hapless team.

We need to approach this like dominant college teams approach their first couple of games against D2 (fcs now?) schools. Demoralize them early, put it out of reach, and rest your guys. Basically, treat it like preseason game 2.